Ring around the Rosey

by L.A. Fiore, Anthony Dwayne

After tragedy rocks the small town of Danville Creek, best friends Emma Blake and Branch McKenna are ripped from the only homes they’ve ever known. Twenty years later, they are called back to… Rosey Plantation. A getaway shared by their parents and... the place they were all found dead. As they get the house ready to sell, they uncover clues to a game—a handcuff key in a trinket box, eye bolts anchored into the basement wall, silk bindings in unusual places—and discover it wasn’t a retreat but a place to play. While Emma and Branch find solace in one another, and explore some of their own dark fantasies, mysterious things start happening. Convinced they need to play the erotic game, or end up like their parents, their lives start to unravel. Some say ghosts can haunt, but when the danger becomes real, they find themselves racing against the clock to find the killer among friends before history repeats itself. Are you ready to play, Ring around the Rosey? They all fall down.

Genres: Romance, Dark, Thriller, Suspense, Mystery Thriller, Romantic Suspense, Second Chance

412 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 24, 2019

About the author

A top 11 Amazon Bestselling author, LA Fiore, wife, mom, identical twin, hybrid author, and extraterrestrial, is a fan of the fermented grape and a dabbler in storytelling. She believes in a happily ever after, but she likes to make her readers work for it. When she's not writing, she can usually be found in the garden or hanging on the deck with her family and friends. She lives in Bucks County, Pennsylvania with her husband, two kids and their four fur babies.

Website: https://www.lafiorepublishing.com
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Reviews

[The Sassy Bookworm · Rating 4 out of 5]

This book was SO right up my alley. Creepy plantation house. Weird going ons. Kinky sex games. Mysteries. Freaky dolls. Twists and turns...and so much more. This review will be super vague because I don't want to give any of the plot away, but I LOVED every (almost) minute of this book.



So deets...I found this book to be well written. I am not normally a fan of third person narration, but it worked well in this case. I had a small issue with the pace. It is a fairly long book, and I felt that the story got bogged down at times with some unnecessary scenes (more about that below). However, I never lost interest or felt the need to skim. The story itself was interesting and quite unique. It had a great cast of characters (I LOVED Tommy). It had a lot of hot sex scenes. Last, it was all wrapped up in a fantastic (if a bit rushed and far-fetched) ending.



The only other issue I had (apart from the pace) was the hero having a daughter. That aspect didn't feel organic to the story. She was cute and all that, but for me the hero having a child didn't work with the overall feel of this book. It just didn't mesh well with the tone of the plot and rubbed me the wrong way on a more personal pet peeve level. (lol) I think if hero had been childless the pace (and to some extent the plot/romance) would have been better and raised this up to a 5 Star rating.

However, even with those small issues this was still a cracking good read. And it gets two thumbs up from yours truly.

[Natalie ~ The Biblioholic · Rating 4 out of 5]

Let me just tell you this...
If you're looking for a good scare,
willing to constantly look over your shoulder at the slightest sound,
wanting to feel a cold chill down your spine,
and enjoy that strange feeling at the nape of your neck...
You. Will. Love. This. Book!



Things I loved:
👀 watching the friendship between Branch & Emma blossom into something so much deeper than love
👀 the second chance that B & E got and how easy the authors made it
👀 Willa
👀 the growing bond between all of the characters (except Melissa - she was a tough nut to crack)
👀 how spooked I got from the happenings around Rosey Plantation
👀 the authors did an incredible job of amping the creep factor. From giving us the big picture from the past and how it ties into the present, to the humming, the unexplainable phenomena, the smell of roses that I believed I could smell too, and everything else strange that was going on. I was CREEPED OUT!!
👀 how the authors gave me a good thrill. I love when I can enjoy a scare.

As soon as the first WTF moment happened, I kept thinking...



I'm telling you, as soon as ONE thing happens that can't be explained, as soon as I'm the least bit freaked out, I'm OUT!! I'm not waiting around for an explanation or a clue. I'll figure it out from afar. I'm black and in scary movies, we're usually the first to die. I'm not taking ANY chances!!

I sincerely recommend this story to anyone who enjoys a second chance romance with a bit of bite.


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[Bex (Beckie Bookworm) · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a fantastic read that I enjoyed immensely.
A collaboration between two authors and it really was seamless they have done a great job with this.
I only have experience with one of these authors before L.A. Fiore and as that was a five-star read for me I was expecting great things from this, so glad it didn't disappoint.
So this was told from multiple POV's but the two main ones at the centre of this storm were Best friends Branch and Emma: growing up together in the small town of Danville Creek where their parents were close friends these two growing up were as thick as thieves.
Until at the age of twelve tragic events rock there whole community and these friends through circumstances outside there control are wrenched apart.
Years later and despite trying to stay connected all have lost touch: Emma, Branch and their former school mates are all called back home to decide what is to be done with there parents former property Rosey Plantation which now belongs to the now grown-up school friends.
Branch, Emma, Doug, Tommy and Mellisa are all now co-owners of there parents former retreat and unanimously agree to update and sell.
Part Mystery, Horror and Romance this crossed genres it really was in a class of its own, incredibly unique and seriously addictive I just couldn't put this down.
But something here is not right, mysterious happenings and strange noises windows opening and things disappearing, locked doors and creepy ass dolls.
That bloody creepy song playing on a loop and the game! This gave me the serious chills.
Someone or something wants to play.
I don't really want to say too much as have no desire to spoil this so will just say this was seriously disturbing stuff.
I also really liked the balance this set between the ominous events unfolding and the normal every day falling in love and recementing of old bonds and the forging of new ones.
Throughout this, the connection here between Branch and Emma really did shine bright, even with the missing years and Branch's sometimes distrust, the two still had a definite bond.
This had all the feels and was incredibly emotive and I had no issues imagining these two both well into old age with a parcel of grandkids on their laps.
Especially considering how hot these two were together Emma and Branch practically left scorch marks in their wake.
Finally, this was super well written with multi-faceted characters and witty banter throughout this was a real delight of a tale, one that I highly recommend.
I voluntary reviewed a copy of Ring around the Rosey.



Reviewed By Beckie Bookworm
https://www.facebook.com/beckiebookworm/
www.beckiebookworm.com

[Leo (Queen of the Rants and Spoilers)]

Dnfed @ 14%
I’m not in the mood for long separation books! 21 years or so.
They both lost their Vs together but hero got married and had a baby while heroine had mental issues. I don’t know if she was really celibate or not but I won’t hold my breath. I read a review before dnfing and apparently there’s F/F and M/M. I’m not into those kind of books. So I better cut my losses here.

[Allyson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Ok so yeah I was soooo happy that the author put this book on sale because I really wanted to read it. I can't tell you how many times during this read that I said "WHAT" "WOW" or "OMG". My husband would look at me like I was crazy lol!! I was on the edge of my seat the entire time. I wasn't even close to guessing what was going to happen next. I loved Emma and Branch, especially when they were talking with Willa. I loved Tommy and Doug too, they were a great add to the story. If you are looking for a scary, funny(at times) and steamy read this is the book for you!! Great job and thank you again for putting this on sale!!!!

[Siobhan · Rating 3 out of 5]

As I’ve previously adored a L.A. Fiore book, I was eager for more of the author’s work. With Ring around the Rosey we had a book that sounded perfect for me. Mystery and thrills, secrets and suspense, romance and darkness. I went in with high expectations… only to be conflicted.

This is a book where I wanted to be able to give a four-star rating, only it wasn’t quite there. It’s a three-point-five-star read, one I ended up rounding down. It was certainly addictive, but I had too many open questions at the end to be fully satisfied with the conclusion.

Although the constant head hopping that occurred in this one annoyed me, I found myself sucked into the story enough that I was able to deal with it. With information being slowly shared, there were so many possibilities about how things would play out. Things became quite obvious once the information started to come out, but there was plenty that had me curious.

All in all, an addictive read even though it wasn’t quite all I’d hoped for. I’ll certainly be reading more from both authors, as I remain curious.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

* A review copy was provided by the authors in exchange for an honest review *

~ 5 Red Rose Stars ~

WOW!!! What an absolute mind bending story!! This book was so twisted, I am almost scared to say how much I loved it.

L.A. Fiore and Anthony Dwayne’s minds are true masterpieces. I don’t know how they come up with their stories. This is their second collaboration and it was a true gem!!! This book was truly hard to put down once you start. This story will take a hold of you from the very beginning and not let go until the last word!!

Ring Around the Rosey is a standalone novel. It told in the third person POV. I normally don’t like that POV, but for some reason it really worked in this instance. It at times felt like someone was telling a story, but that added kind of that creepy feel to the story. It kept me on the edge of my seat. I could never have guessed how this story would play out. I thought the flow of the story was perfect. Although I did find the pace a little on the slower side (for my liking) it didn’t take away from the pure enjoyment I had while reading this book.

I won’t be talking about the storyline at all. This is a book you HAVE to go into blind. If the blurb of this book interests you then take my word for it and READ THIS BOOK!!! This story was unlike anything I have ever read. A totally intriguing and unique story. This is a love story but it was so much more.

I can’t say enough about this book. It is one for my Favorite of 2019 list. I know this review doesn’t do this book justice. Just trust me, if you are looking for an epic love story but also a story with a great thriller/mystery aspect to it, then this is the book to read!!

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[Shannon Stuckey · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book is like nothing I have ever read before!!!!!

LA Fiore and Anthony Dwayne have totally blown my mind with this book! Ring around the Rosey has everything to keep you glued to the pages, from loads of suspense and haunting thrills that keep you on the edge of your seat, to chemistry so hot you feel like you need some ice! There were times when I wanted to read with one eye closed and had chills racing and then turn the page and wanted to laugh out loud at the banter between all the characters! You never know what is going to happen next and what you think will happen definitely does not. I honestly could not get enough! This is definitely a book you have to read and will stick with you for a while after you get to the end!

[Darlene I read WAY to many books · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wooooo this book was soooo good lots of twist and turns some kink sex game!!, wired voodoo dolls.. and creepy ass stuff..this was also a second chance romance that i didn't hate.. the two ex-lovers Emma and Branch weren't mean to one another when they reunited (Score) they were still head over heels even if they had a sad falling out at 16 (blame Emma aunt). But the spark was still hawt after years apart i just couldn't srop gushing with them.. plus i did love Branch alot.. 🔥🔥 and i enjoyed the secondary characters to.. tommy hands down is my fave!!

I'll be honest i really didn't care for branch having a daughter.. . it didn't really fit in with the story.. she was just there..when they went back home.. :/ she was cute just didn't fit in with the creepy house and storyline.

I don't wanna give much away cuz i really enjoyed this creepy romance book..so please give it a try.

im give a heads up the parents were swingers or some cheating happened in the house from the creepy game... in this book BUT!! its was flashbacks of their parents there was NONE IN PRESENT DAY!! No cheating in the present time..

Angst, Drama, secondary charas, sexy times, no virgins (emma and branch lost they vcards together)

Recommend- Yes
Cover-⭐⭐⭐⭐

Prologue
Slowish-insta
F/F
M/M
Exhibition
Anal play/sex
Voyager
Mentions of sexual assault (flashbacks)
bdsmish
Hea
Epilogue

[Radd Reader · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book ended up a bit different than my expectations. From the synopsis I was expecting a really intense psychological thriller that kept the chills running up my spine. Well, not so much. Yes, there are some strange things that happen in the house and when the kids first arrive it was a bit unnerving. Things being moved around, doors unlocking, and some creepy ass dolls. 😬 Little things that make the hair on the back of your neck stand up.

But, as the story moved along it just really became about sex and I felt like the creepy aspect pretty much took a backseat. Branch and Emma get a bit kinky, so the steam factor is quite hot. 🔥🔥

I had an idea forming in my mind of who I thought was behind all the creepy stuff, but the twist thrown in at the end was completely not on my radar. It took me by surprise. A lot of the “how” and “why” issues were pretty well wrapped up, but I felt there were just a few tiny holes. However, nothing that really detracted from the resolution.

There were some things that didn’t work for me.
- There were actually quite a few “main” characters in the book and I only really knew “surface” stuff about them. They all grew up without parents, so understanding how their lives were shaped due to that tragedy would have been interesting.
- I actually had a hard time really understanding why they all of a sudden felt they needed to play “The Game” and I didn’t buy into it.
- There were a few things I couldn’t see the villain actually accomplishing, so I felt there were some small holes
- Someone can go from catatonic to fully functioning in pretty much the blink of an eye?? 🤨
- what was causing Emma to seem like she was going insane?

This story switches between what’s happening with the kids presently and what was going on with the parents in the past. The flip back and forth worked for me as it was important to understand what was going on with the 5 couples 20 years ago.

Overall, this book didn’t meet my expectations of a creepy, scary as hell book. And, the last half was just one big sex-fest. For me, I felt like this should go in the erotic category more than the dark/thriller category.

[2OCC Reviews · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was like a murder myster on steroids. This author duet really weaves a complex story that kept me on the edge of my seat. There was sooo much going on but all the pieces got together and wrapped in a pretty bow. That’s the best way to describe this story. It was very intense in parts and I found my self having to take breaks while reading. I’m really glad that I read it during the day and not late at night when the house was dark.

I really loved Branch and Emma. Their friendship, their love for one another.... Branch being so protective of her. It was just amazing. There was a perfect mix when it came to the romance and the suspense. I was worried when the book started that the suspense would put weigh them finding their spark again but these 2 authors balance it perfectly.

I’m going to stop this review because I don’t want want to spoil it but I will say, that as someone who really dislikes 3rd PoV; I’m really glad that this book had it. With everything that goes on, we get to see the bigger picture and everything that was going on. I can’t wait to see what this duo brings us next. 5 stars #2OCCJD

[Charmain · Rating 1 out of 5]

Fiore is one of those writers that I just buy her books automatically because she is the author. I did not like this book. The story was implausible.

[April · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely mind blowing!! These two authors have once again managed to write as one and created a truly unique masterpiece for their readers. This book is packed full of twists and turns and impossible to put down. Haunting, suspenseful, creepy at times, erotic, romantic, this book has everything you could want in a story. The chemistry between the characters is off the charts! It will keep you on the edge of your seat and guessing who did what. When you think you know what will happen next...guess again cause you don’t. This book will completely mess with your mind in the most amazing ways and still pull at your heart. 5 well deserved rosey stars

[Renee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received a copy of this book from the publisher/author to review for Stephanie's Book Reports.

After tragedy rock the small town of Danville Creek, best friends Emma Blake and Branch McKenna are ripped from the only homes they've ever known. Twenty years later, they are called back to..Rosey Plantation. A getwawy shared by their parents and the play they were all found dead. As they get the house ready to sell, they uncover clues to a game--a handcuff key in a trinket box, eye bolts anchored into the basement wall, slik binding in unusual places--and discover it wasn't a retreat but a place to play. While Emma and Branch find colace in one anothr , and explore some of their own dark fantiasies, mysterious things start happening. Convinced they need to play the erotic game, or end up like their partns, their lives start to unravel. Some say ghosts can haunt, but when the danger becomes real, they find themselves racing against the clock to find the killer amojng friends before history repeats itself. Are you ready to play Ring around the Rosey? They all fall down.

Holy freaking don't even try to figure out what your reading or your going to drive yourself absolutely crazy. It is what is is and it is going to blow your mind!!!! I don't think you can descibe this book to anyone and not give anything away. I will say that I loved all these characters and it kept me guessing from the beginning to the end. I loved it. I loved the way it kept me one the edge of my seat and I find myself once again saying the L.A. Fiore and Anthony Dwayne have blown my mind again. If you like dark stories that keep you on your toes do not miss this one.

[Mallory · Rating 1 out of 5]

1 star



I'm sorry, but this book was HORRIBLE. I don't know if L.A. Fiore was just off her game, or maybe I don't remember her writing as well as I thought. I honestly finished it because I needed to know how crazy it would get, and how it would end. The plot made absolutely no sense, and only got weirder and more convoluted as the story progressed. The writing seemed immature, if not just a stream of consciousness at times. The editing was almost nonexistent. And the fact that the POV skipped around at a moment's notice was both confusing and frustrating. All in all, I just was not a fan of this book.

I would not recommend this book, but try it for yourself.

[Beyond The Covers Blog · Rating 5 out of 5]

What happens when your world is flipped upside down and your forced to leave your best friend and home?

Branch and Emma have been best friends sense they were 5 years old until something terrible happened and Emma is forced to leave. Fast forward 20 years later Branch, Emma and Three of there other friends are summoned back home to tie up loose ends. They figure get in and get out but things start happening and they are forced to stay longer then they intended.

This book will have you guessing and swooning till the end! I have never read a book by these two authors that wont have me waiting for the next one to come out! Who doesn't love a good supense book that has all these in it?

An Alpha Male ✔
Hot Sex Scenes ✔
A Book That Keeps You On Your Toes ✔
Book Full Of Supense ✔

If all these are what your looking for then Ring Around The Rosey is a must read!

[Heather andrews · Rating 5 out of 5]

Branch has a way with his words, “you turned out effing hot as eff, babe.” Then he placed the wing in his mouth and pulled it out slowly, keeping his eyes on Emma the whole time." Branch really appreciates his woman's feisty demeanor, “I’m gonna go tap that *** while she’s still on fire. So, you can see yourself out.” With that Branch leaped up the stairs, grin filling his face, hoping his woman was still pi**ed." I liked this book, I loved Branch, some parts of the book book were a little...um out there in terms of the plot but I liked it.

[Adriana · Rating 5 out of 5]

I went in not knowing anything about this book and let’s just say was so unexpected and I loved every second of it . Let’s just say it’s not for the faint hearted lol a lot of mystery and maybe don’t read it at night lol really enjoyed it very much it had twist and turns and sooo many secrets and was hot as it really did have it all recommend it ❤️

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

L.A. Fiore and Anthony Dwayne two authors who created something wickedly amazing. Scared to say how much I absolutely loved and enjoyed this book. From the creepy findings, the sex (holy hell the sex was hot), to the way I will never be able to listen to Ring Around The Rosy again. This book takes you on one hell of a ride I was on edge and just when I thought I figured it out it led me to a mind blowing twist. This book was very well written! If you’re into suspense, romance, a little paranormal and erotica this book is most definitely a book to read.

[Tracy Dickson]

Dnf

[Joyce Dobson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a different kind of book for me but it was really good.

[Cynthia Cordell · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an amazing book! LA Fiore and Anthony Dwayne just delivered an amazing story of best friends to lovers book. Branch and Emma grew up being best friends till something horrible happens to rip them apart. Years later they are brought back together and it's like they never separated their love continues just a strong as ever when they are called to come back to a place they were torn away from. This was a thrilling, mystery who done it all the way to the end. So many surprises, hot steamy sex and a love story to end all love stories. I highly recommend this book, it's a absolutely must read book!!

[Tracy]

This book kept me guessing from one chapter to the next ! Nothing was what it seemed! Ring Around the Rosey was filled with so much lust and suspense! It was intriguing and also breathtaking. Honestly my emotions were running on a high reading this entire book! I could've never guessed this outcome. These two authors have spun a tale that had my head spinning!!

[Julia Leonard · Rating 5 out of 5]

Fascinating Read

This is a truly unique story...
These two authors together came up with a mind blowing and most original and yet creepy tale.
The characters were well thought out as well.
The chemistry between them is fantastic.
Bravo.

[Sara ✨ Next Book Review Blog ✨ · Rating 4 out of 5]

The relationship and friendship between Emma and Branch reminds me that there are some relationships where we just know, like a snap of the fingers, that we are meant to be with that person. It isn't always sexual, sometimes it's friendship rooted in deep feelings of respect and understanding. Sometimes those feeling expand into more. This is what happened for Branch and Em. Sometimes you just know your heart isn't complete without the other.

I love a man that can feel, a man that opens his heart and says what's in it. I love a man that can be honest and love, totally unabashedly without a care of being judged. Branch is so strong that he isn't scared to feel and to share what he feels. Emma is an interesting character. You can see how this one major event shaped her. She's definitely a more submissive person and I don’t just mean in the bedroom. I am curious of a few things with Emma... I was shocked that after she left for home that she never heard a word from her very over-protective aunt. It's like she was no more. I was also a bit curious of some of her odd behavior. We kind of get an answer toward the ending but I'm not sure I feel it completely answers all the odd behavior.

I keep thinking about making a Scorch-O-Meter for my blog. Ring Around the Rosey would be causing it to spin around and around very confused. It's an insanely sexy book. There are some scenes that will make you wiggle in your seat while feeling the heat flow through your body. Yes, your spouse will be pleasantly surprised while you're reading and find yourself wanting to be a bit naughty. Don't fight it. Just play.

Overall, these two authors complement each other very nicely. I'm not sure who wrote what and I am a very avid LA Fiore reader. I can't get over the heat level they bring to their books. They went some places that I was a bit shocked with and I loved it!! I enjoyed the secondary characters a lot too. We had a kind of friends to lovers feel with a second chance romance. There was a serious creep factor going on. I loved the feel of the suspense and the mystery. Great read that mixed several genres.



I received an ARC of this book with the hope that I would leave an Unbiased Opinion. I was not required to leave a review, positive or otherwise, and my opinions are just that... my opinions.

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[Lesley C · Rating 5 out of 5]

Wow!! Wow!! Wow!! What a great story!! This is the second book that LA Fiore and Anthony Dwayne have co-written and this book just blew me away. I loved it from the beginning to the very last page so much that I didn’t want it to end. I wanted more of Branch and Emma! Okay, especially Branch! Hot damn he is hot!

Branch and Emma came back together because of a terrible event that destroyed their childhood. As teenagers they were in love but circumstances caused them to lose touch with each other. The tragic event happened at Rosey Plantation, where Branch and Emma and the other grown children who were effected by the tragedy have now come together to sell the house that has caused them all a lifetime of pain and sadness.
Mysterious things begin to happen in the house as Branch, Emma, Tommy, Doug and Melissa all begin to learn things about their parents and the kinky game they played at Rosey Plantation. Their own kinky version of ring around the rosey.
I just loved the connection that Branch and Emma found again with each other and with each chapter that connection got hotter and hotter! I loved the connection all of the characters had with each other. The banter and friendships that happened all felt real and believable.
I was riveted as to what was happening as the house they were all staying in appeared to be haunted or was someone playing with them! It was definitely a page turner to find out!
Both the mystery and chemistry between the characters built and built throughout the whole story. There were times I felt it moved a little slow but then I didn’t want it to end because it was that good. The writing between these two was seamless. I never really knew what LA had written or what Anthony had written. But they are fantastic co writing together.
There is some elements of BDsM but nothing too kinky but off the charts HOT!!!
The conclusion totally blew me away. It was an end I never saw coming as far as the mystery of Rosey Plantation and I loved the ending with Branch, Emma and all the characters. I look forward to the next book written by these two fantastic authors.

[Gin · Rating 4 out of 5]

Mysterious, intriguing, suspenseful and a sexy romance. The usual from Ms. Fiore, one of my favorite authors. I love the unusual vibe that normally accompanies all the fabulousness of her stories. And this story had it in spades especially the hotness of the sexy couple, Emma and Branch (great name) and the house, Rosey Plantation. The mystery of the years-old tragedy that took place in the house that not only affected our couple but other teens as well slowly unfolds with a wonderful strangeness to it. All lost their parents except for Emma’s mother but she didn’t fair well. Lots of twists, turns and more tragedy when the teens, now grown, are brought back to the house to continue the game that started years ago. I loved Emma and Branch’s childhood friendship to teen love relationship and when they’re reunited years later at the plantation it went to another level of hotness with Branch’s dominant persona and Emma’s compliance, but the love was always there. There was a hint of something sinister attached to the house that didn’t really pan out and other activities didn’t make sense to me. Plus there were parts that seemed a little repetitive and others slow. And what was up with Emma’s strange behavior? Again no real explanation. I guess it’s left to the reader to interpret which is okay but I would have like a little more. And what’s up with these successful adults wanting to do manual labor and being away from their jobs/lives for weeks?! A working vaca? Not happening at Rosey Plantation but the growing camaraderie between the group was entertaining. A great twist at the end that I didn’t see coming but the story still left me wanting more. That pains me to say because I love Ms. Fiore and her fabulous storytelling. I’m not familiar with Mr. Dwayne’s work other than his previous collaboration with Ms. Fiore which I loved. I struggled with a star rating and ended with a 3.5 and rounded up because I will always read this author’s work. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

Have to say that I really didn’t see that fully coming when I read this book! I knew that there was going to be a very interesting backstory while reading and holy hades was I totally right! I have found that individually, the authors create a spectacular story, but together they create something that really keeps me guessing each time!

One of things that I really loved about this story was the emotional impact! Each character, secondary and primary, went through such a range of emotions that it truly was a rollercoaster. And I really had no clue who the protagonist was until we started getting towards the end. I had the inkling, but not a fully blown thought about it. But, the truth of the character was what really got me going. Just wow!

The characters were very well thought out and the progress of the story was awesome and suspenseful at the same time. I thought that Emma and Branch were definitely perfect characters for each other even when I wondered exactly what was going on with one of them. And the issues that kept coming were really engaging with the whole storyline.

Overall, great book! The story was awesome and unique. The backstory was definitely something that I didn’t see coming, but have to admit that it totally made sense. The heat between the main characters was freaking scotching!!! So I can definitely say that this is a must read in my book. Two high thumbs up and happy reading!

[Savsandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

DNF

I wish Goodreads would give we readers a format for commenting without a rating, at least for the DNF designation. I can see why they discourage the practice but sometimes a reader simply does not want to invest anymore time on a book they don’t consider worthy of the time it would take to finish it. So, I chose the middle of the road rating since either extreme is equally as inappropriate. Now, to “Ring Around the Rosey”.

At the 40% mark I asked myself why I was still reading. I didn’t even like most of the characters and the constant bopping back and forth between generations and time frames was beyond annoying. Add to that the mysterious things going bump in the night and references to spouse-swapping and possibility of occult-like rites by the preceding generation just left a bad taste in my mouth. So I put it aside and read a couple other things. But I came back to this twice more and finally gave up at the 47% mark. It’s been years since I had a Required Reading list in college. My reading nowadays is strictly for pleasure. Even the occasional non-fiction titles I choose are either by authors I admire or the subject matter is of interest to me. If memory serves me correctly, this was a Kindle First choice in a month when none of the offerings were especially appealing. Next time that happens I’ll heed my first impressions and take a pass. DNF (Did Not Finish).

[Jennifer Pierson · Rating 5 out of 5]

OH MY CHILLING HELL! I have no clue as to how to write this review without giving anything away, and yet do some kind of justice to this brilliant piece of scary dark goodness! First of all, not sure you can really pigeonhole it in any sort of category as this dynamic duo really crossover into several very smoothly, like I mean it's part Mystery/Suspense, to Horror, and has Romance in it with some super hot sexy times. A bit of background, besties Branch & Emma got separated after tragic events happened in their small town when they were 12. They tried to keep in touch, but you know how that goes. Now 20 years later, they're called back to town, and some former school friends, to deal with their parents former property Rosey Plantation. And this is when the evil game began, and where my mind is messed with big time. Twists that have my f-bombs dropping, dolls that have my skin crawling, other kinds of super hair raising happenings that gave me chills going on, and a super evil like song that never wanted to stop playing. Those are some hints at what's going on, which means, how the hell do mere humans combat that crap? Not like ghost mask guy with a funny voice making calls so you can kill him in the end. Anyway, open at your own risk, and you want to, because it's impossible to put down no matter how creeped out you get! HIGHLY HIGHLY HIGHLY RECOMMEND!